Whaplode Medieval Fayre - July 4-6

Travel to Middle Ages at medieval village fair
18 June 2008
Spalding Guardian & Lincolnshire Free Press


Visitors to Whaplode can step back in time to the medieval period at a special three-day event. The Whaplode Medieval Fayre takes place in the grounds of St Mary's Church on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 4, 5 and 6, from 10am.

The event has been organised by Whaplode Heritage and Educational Action Team (WHEAT) to mark the granting of a charter to the monks of Crowland Abbey by King Edward I in 1307 allowing a weekly market and an annual six-day fair in the church grounds.

All village organisations have been invited to participate, with the garden club growing medieval herbs, and the art group holding an exhibition of medieval paintings.

Admission is free and it is hoped many people attending will be in period costume. Secretary Len Thompson said: "The plans are all pretty much in place now and everything has come together nicely. We just need people to come along and make it a success and good weather would be nice too."

Friday's opening ceremony will be a re-enactment of the Royal Charter granted by King Edward I and in the evening there will be a concert in the church at 7.30pm, featuring choral, sacred and secular music played on traditional medieval instruments.

Lt Col John Dymoke, The Queen's Champion and Standard Bearer of England, will attend the Saturday opening ceremony. He will make a speech before visiting the various stalls.

Throughout the day there will be archery and falconry displays, dancing by the Bourne Borderers Morris Dancers, maypole dancing, minstrels, an archery competition and a demonstration of medieval cooking, plus a complete medieval knights' tent showcasing the associated equipment.

A medieval banquet will be held in the village hall on Saturday night. On Sunday the event will be opened by the assistant bishop of Lincoln the Rev John Brown, who will also conduct the church service. There will be plenty of activities, together with many authentic stalls and displays, throughout the weekend.

WHEAT's mascot is a monk which has been called Brother Jude, following a naming competition. Whaplode Primary School pupil Jason Simpson (9) was chosen as the winner from 24 entries and won a £15 book token. Len added: "We chose the name Brother Jude because St Jude is the patron saint of lost causes!"